New guide offers comprehensive framework for Zebrafish care and research methods

Dr Claire Allen, manager of the Biological Services Aquarium, has published a book titled Zebrafish: A Practical Guide to Husbandry, Welfare and Research Methodology.

Image of Zebrafish

The book is aimed at researchers, facility personnel, and ethics committee members working with zebrafish in laboratory settings.

Zebrafish, widely used in biomedical research due to their genetic similarities to humans, require specific care and ethical considerations in research environments. The book provides detailed information on husbandry practices, including environmental enrichment, nutrition, housing conditions, health monitoring, disease management, biosecurity, ageing and genotyping methods. 

The book incorporates input from experienced zebrafish caretakers, researchers and veterinarians, and includes guidance on balancing fish welfare with research needs. It also discusses reporting standards, reproducibility, and compliance requirements for zebrafish studies.

Dr Allen’s book is intended to help laboratories improve husbandry and welfare practices, refine experimental protocols, and engage with ethical responsibilities. It provides a resource for those working directly with zebrafish and for ethics committees overseeing their use in research.

Managing zebrafish husbandry, to ensure optimal data acquisition, does take effort but this book delivers everything you need to know about caring for this robust little fish.

Dr Claire Allen

The book is available now.


 

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